Recently we embarked on an 8 horse journey over to Ellensburg for the Buck Brannaman clinic. Candi K brought Edward into the morning Foundations class, and has the following to say about their experience together:
“Taking Edward to the Buck Brannaman Horsemanship Clinic in Ellensburg was an incredible experience. He traveled like a champ, hauling quietly both to Ellensburg and back to SAFE. The large rodeo arena is still under construction with all the noise and chaos that comes with it. There were nearly 30 horses in the class with ever changing weather and relentless wind that sent dust and debris flying everywhere. It gave Edward plenty to possibly distract him. I supported him and once he connected with me, we didn’t have any issues.
Throughout the clinic we focused on the foundations of horsemanship including moving the hindquarters and front quarters, changing eyes through a variety of exercises, backing with softness and always searching for a lighter feel with plenty of well-timed releases. One of our greatest accomplishments came during Buck’s group discussions. At first, standing quietly while everyone gathered was difficult with so much activity around him. By the final day, Eddie stood completely relaxed, not moving an inch and quietly hooked onto me. It was one of those small moments that reflected just how much we had gained together.
Edward is a wonderful dance partner. He genuinely wants to be a willing participant and is incredibly forgiving when I don’t always get things just right. Like any horse, he can have an opinion now and then but beneath it all is a horse who simply wants to be with his person.
He is one of the sweetest horses I have ever met. His soft eyes and welcoming knicker, as if to say, “Hey friend, where have you been? I missed you!” make it impossible not to love him. I know there is someone out there who will fall in love with this handsome gentleman just as I have. I can’t wait to see whose life Eddie changes forever.”
